Panoramic Route - Read Howard Hillman's authoritative tips

Panoramic Lounge

Travel tips you can trust

Why the
Panorama Route
is special

It runs along the top of an escarpment rising 800 meters (2600 feet) above the Blyde River Canyon and a vast green plain. The jewel is the Blyde River Canyon. Without it, the Panorama Route would not earn a Bronze Star. Still, some of the other Panorama Route attractions are interesting.

Major attractions of
the Panorama Route

Blyde River Canyon

There are two basic vantages:

From inside the canyon

This lets you see the striking geological formations at river level. However, this requires a modest side trip from the basic Panorama Route.

From the escarpment's rim

Read the next item.

Bird's-eye views

The Panorama Route has several cliff-edge lookouts. The top 2 are:

Three Rondavels

This vantage point has a grand view of the Blyde River Canyon and its Three Rondavels. These tall, side-by-side domed outcroppings are also called the Three Sisters.

God's Window

You see the plain below stretching to the horizon. You also catch sight of portions of the sheer cliffs on your left and right. However, you don't get the majestic view of Blyde River Canyon that you do at Three Rondavels lookout.

If you're short of time, I recommend skipping Wonderview, the third major belvedere. It's similar to the one at God's Window, but lacks its lateral sight lines.